Cervical Laminaplasty (Cervical Laminoplasty)

Cervical laminoplasty makes more room for the spinal cord and nerve roots in the neck. It relieves the painful pressure of spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal that arthritis can cause.

Preparation

The patient is given anesthesia and positioned face down. An incision on the back of the neck gives the surgeon access to the cervical spine.

Shaping the Lamina

The lamina is the bony roof over the spinal cord. On one side of the spine, the surgeon cuts a groove partway into each lamina. On the opposite side, each lamina is carefully cut all the way through.

Opening the Canal

The grooves work like hinges, so the vertebrae can swing open like a door. This widens the spinal canal and immediately takes pressure off the cord and nerve roots. The surgeon then checks the canal and removes any bone spurs or other sources of pressure.

Holding It Open

Small wedges of bone graft are placed to keep the bone propped open, and screws and metal implants secure the vertebrae and wedges.

After Surgery

The incision is closed and bandaged. Drains may be left in the wound to keep fluid from collecting. You may wear a soft neck collar, and physical therapy may be recommended.

Questions about Cervical Laminaplasty (Cervical Laminoplasty)? Call Dr. Auerbach’s office at (718) 518-5814 or send a message.

This information is for general education and does not replace advice from your doctor.

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